MRI of the lumbar spine can show disc degeneration, bulges or herniations, spinal stenosis, nerve‑root compression, vertebral fractures, marrow changes (Modic), infection, tumor, and congenital or postoperative changes. MRI of the pelvis and hip reveals labral tears, avascular necrosis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, synovitis, sacroiliac joint inflammation, bone‑marrow edema, fractures, tendon or soft‑tissue pathology, and masses.

PBH stands for Persistent Black Hole. In MRI of multiple sclerosis, PBHs are chronic T1-weighted hypointense lesions that persist over time, reflecting severe axonal loss and irreversible tissue damage. Their presence and volume correlate with greater disability and more extensive neurodegeneration, making them a useful imaging marker of chronic injury rather than acute inflammation.

The cost for an MRI of the lumbosacral (LS) spine with contrast varies widely. In the United States it typically ranges from about $400 to $3,000+ (more for hospital inpatient or high-end centers). In India prices often run around ₹2,000–₹15,000. In the UK it’s free on the NHS but private scans may cost roughly £200–£900. Final price depends on facility, contrast use, and insurance.

LS spine MRI stands for lumbosacral spine magnetic resonance imaging. It is an MRI study of the lumbosacral region — the lower lumbar and sacral segments — used to evaluate vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal canal, nerve roots, and adjacent soft tissues. It helps diagnose disc herniation, spinal stenosis, infections, tumors, fractures, and causes of lower back and leg pain.

A doctor orders a lumbar spine MRI to evaluate persistent or severe lower back pain and sciatica, detect disc herniation, spinal stenosis or nerve compression, and investigate causes of weakness, numbness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction. It helps identify fractures, infection, inflammation, tumors, or degenerative changes, and guides treatment planning or pre-surgical assessment when symptoms don’t improve or follow trauma.

A lumbar MRI can show structural causes of nerve compression, such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or foraminal narrowing, and may demonstrate nerve root compression or secondary muscle denervation. It does not directly measure nerve function or microscopic axonal injury; EMG/nerve conduction studies assess functional damage. Imaging must be interpreted with clinical examination and electrophysiology to confirm nerve injury and guide treatment.